HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 099 2026-02-17 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: February 17, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 732
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Communication No. 732, reports as follows:
Communication No. 732, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 29, 2026,
requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Lokelani Brandt to the Public
Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission (PONC).
Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce
Ms. Brandt, who was present in the Hilo Chambers.
Committee Members Ashley'rL�. Kierkiewicz and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi spoke in favor of the
appointment. r
a
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder encouraged Ms. Brandt that while looking to support
properties in District 3 to also look at unique properties in Puna that could qualify for this program,
and not just the obvious shoreline properties.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada asked Ms. Brandt if she was aware of the meeting schedule and
can attend upcoming meetings. Ms. Brandt said she is committed to being at the meetings, with the
exception of one that she may be unavailable for as she may be attending an out of State conference.
Mr. Alameda said that he is looking at solutions with all of the boards and commissions to be able to
hold more hybrid/virtual meetings to potentially help with quorum and attendance for volunteers and
community participation. He referenced Resolution No. 287-23 that urges the Office of the Mayor to
provide virtual access for board and commission meetings. Member Kierkiewicz said that she
appreciated the work being done to allow for remote access for this commission and also encouraged
Mr. Alameda to review their overall meeting schedule for PONC to potentially meet monthly to
account for the large amount of work they need to accomplish, especially due to the time sensitive
nature of the property nomination process and stewardship grant awards.
Acting Committee Chair James E. Hustace asked Ms. Brandt if she had been tracking the recent work
of PONC. She said no, she's been more focused on working with community directly on various
projects. Member Hustace asked for examples of spaces that she thought of as successful examples
from the PONC program. Ms. Brandt stated that Honu`apo was a good example of how community can
manage a place well and that the improvements and maintenance have been well done. Member
Hustace mentioned the recent attempts to review and improve the PONC program, including an ad hoc
committee tasked with reviewing ways to improve this process, including the process for acquiring
properties as well as the stewardship process.
GOEAC Report No. 99
GOEAC-99 Page 2 February 17, 2026
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 2-215(a) of the Hawaii County Code, members of the Public Access,
Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and
confirmed by the Council.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Communication No. 732, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of
Lokelani Brandt to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission.
SIM
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
IIUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JEffN KAGIV66A, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT-90. s
ADOPTED: NW